| Why
is Estradiol prescribed?
Estradiol is a hormone, a substance produced by the body. It is
needed for normal growth and development of female sex organs and
for functions such as bearing children. Estradiol is used for symptoms
associated with menopause: hot flashes (feelings of warmth in the
face, neck, and chest), sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal discomfort
(dryness and itchiness), poor concentration, and irritability. It
also is used in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal
women and breast and prostate cancer in men. Estradiol also is used
with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise to slow the progression
of osteoporosis, a disease common in women after menopause resulting
in bones that break easily.
Conjugated
estrogens is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
Estradiol :
Full Prescribing Information
How should Estradiol be used?
Estradiol comes as a tablet to take by mouth, patches
to apply externally to the skin, and as a cream to be inserted into
the vagina. Oral Estradiol usually is taken by mouth either every
day or on a cyclical basis: once a day for 21 days and then none
for 7 days; then the cycle is repeated. However, for treating cancer
it usually is taken three times a day, every day for at least 3
months.
Skin
patches usually are applied either once or twice weekly for three
weeks (on the same days each week), followed by 1 week without the
drug (patch); then the cycle is repeated. The package is designed
to help you remember when to apply fresh skin patches.
To
apply a skin patch, follow the directions provided and these steps:
--
Remove the skin patch from its protective pouch and peel off the
protective strip, exposing the adhesive surface.
-- Place the adhesive side against a clean, dry, and not excessively
hairy area of skin on the trunk of your body, preferably your abdomen
(not your waistline or breasts, since tight clothing may rub the
patch). Do not apply the patch to oily, broken, or irritated skin.
-- Press the patch on the selected site firmly with the palm of
your hand for about 10 seconds, making sure that the edges adhere
to your skin. If the patch accidentally comes off, you can either
reapply it or apply a fresh patch, but follow your regular dosing
schedule.
Remove and discard the patch and apply a fresh patch according to
the schedule prescribed by your doctor. To prevent skin irritation,
use a different site for each application and wait at least 1 week
before using a particular area again. Used patches should be cut
up and disposed in a manner out of reach of children and pets.
To
use the vaginal cream, your doctor will set up a dosage schedule
for you. If you are to use it once a day, it is best to use it at
bedtime. Follow the directions that come with the vaginal cream
and these steps:
--
Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level
indicated.
-- Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart.
-- Gently insert the applicator into the vagina; then push the plunger
to release Conjugated estrogens.
-- Withdraw the applicator.
-- Discard the applicator if it is disposable. If the applicator
is reusable, pull it apart and clean it with soap and warm water
after each use.
-- Wash your hands promptly.
Ask
your pharmacist or doctor any questions you have about using the
vaginal cream. You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin after inserting
the cream to keep your clothes clean.
Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Estradiol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not
stop taking Estradiol without talking to your doctor.
Ask
your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information
for the patient
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking Estradiol,
--
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Estradiol,
aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs),
or any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially antibiotics or anti-infectives,
anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), carbamazepine
(Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, phenytoin (Dilantin),
primidone (Mysoline), rifampin, steroids (Decadron, Medrol, Prednisone),
and vitamins.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast lumps or
cancer; high blood pressure; high blood cholesterol and fats; diabetes;
asthma; a history of stroke, blood clots, toxemia (high blood pressure
during pregnancy), or heart attack; epilepsy (seizures); migraine
headaches; history of depression; liver, heart, gallbladder, or
kidney disease; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes): genital
bleeding; and excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating)
during the menstrual cycle.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Estradiol,
call your doctor immediately.
-- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Estradiol.
-- tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking
may decrease the effectiveness of Conjugated estrogens.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you wear contact lenses.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you forget to apply a skin patch, apply it as soon as you remember;
note the date on the package, and adjust your schedule. If you miss
a dose of tablets or vaginal cream, take it (or apply it) as soon
as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Estradiol cause?
Although side effects from Estradiol are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
- upset
stomach
- stomach cramps
- bloating
- diarrhea
- appetite and weight changes
- glucose intolerance (increased blood sugar)
- brown or black skin patches
- acne
- swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention)
- increased blood pressure
- bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
- changes in menstrual flow
- painful or missed periods
- breast tenderness, enlargement, or secretion
- intolerance to contact lenses
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- sudden,
severe headache
- sudden, severe vomiting
- sudden partial or complete loss of vision
- speech problems
- crushing chest pain or chest heaviness
- coughing up blood
- sudden shortness of breath
- calf pain
- severe stomach pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dizziness or faintness
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- severe mental depression
- unusual bleeding
- loss of appetite
What storage conditions are needed for Estradiol?
Keep Estradiol in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not remove
skin patches from their protective pouches until just before applying
them. Discard patches by cutting them into pieces and disposing
of them in a manner out of reach of children and pets. Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
You should have a complete physical examination, including blood
pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test at
least yearly. Follow your doctor's directions for examining your
breasts; report any lumps immediately.
Before
you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that
you take Estradiol as this medication may interfere with some laboratory
tests.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Estradiol :
Full Prescribing Information |
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